I'm all over the place now, but just picking out some of my favorite events from this summer.  This was kind of a spontaneous family get together we had.  When we had gotten together for Leslie's birthday, we were feeling bad cause we had not gotten our families together for quite some time.  We were talking about some of our kids coming into town for Fathers day and we said "Why not just meet for a dinner together while they are here?" That sounded good to everyone and we decided we would just tell everyone and whoever could come could come.

Camille had been planning on coming earlier that week before Fathers day but then she realized she had some responsibilities with her calling she had to take care of so she ended up not coming till the Monday after Fathers day. 

I was glad everyone else was able to go.  Candice drove up separate because she was meeting some friends after but she got there way before we did.  Teina had given us perfect directions on how to get to this park, but we made a wrong turn and ended up quite lost.  We even had Seri helping us but ended up in the middle of a neighborhood!  We finally figured it out and made it to the park.

It was so great to see everyone!  All the grand kids are getting so grown up!  We enjoyed visiting with everyone and catching up on what's happening in their lives.

It was good to visit with Angie.  She has been battling breast cancer for the past 7 months and has sure been through some hard things.  I sure admire her courage and great attitude.  She keeps us up to date on whats happening through email and her messages are always positive and cheerful. She is an inspiration to all of us.

It was good to see Julie too.  She has some challenging things in her life but is always cheerful and concerned about others, not herself.  Alan has had so many health issues and is in constant pain from arthritis and Teina has terrible pain in her feet from arthritis too but they are there with a smile and always a kind word for you. 

Looking over our family, I realized there isn't one of us that's not fighting a battle of some kind.  It sure is great to know we all have each other and we are all pulling for each other and will always be there to support and lift each other up.  I think that must be why God gave us families...it sure makes getting through this old life a lot easier, just knowing they will always be there for you... to  share the joys and the sorrows each of us are going through.  

I feel like I was extra lucky to be blessed with three wonderful sisters that have married good men and have raised really great kids too! Now the kids are starting their own families and the beautiful cycle goes on.

 Even though my sisters and I are all so different, we are very much alike as well. We have a history and  family ties that bind us together.  These ties are strong and i'm so grateful mum and daddy taught us how important these ties are... I remember mum saying "friends will come and go, but your family will always be there "  That's sure the truth  and hasn't changed in the past 50 years since she said it!  I can't imagine anyone else I'd want to spend forever with than this bunch!